Effects of Erythrina variegata, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala on dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility of maize stover, before and after spraying with molasses

Animal Feed Science and Technology 111 (2004) 191–201

Effects of Erythrina variegata, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala on dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility of maize stover, before and after spraying with molasses E.M. Aregheore a,∗ , D. Perera b a Animal Science Department, School of Agriculture, Alafua Campus, The University of the South Pacific, Private Mail Bag, Apia, South Pacific, Samoa b Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Alafua Campus, The University of the South Pacific, Private Mail Bag, Apia, South Pacific, Samoa

Received 13 August 2002; received in revised form 5 June 2003; accepted 9 June 2003

Abstract Two 4 × 4 Latin square design experiments were completed. In experiment 1, four mature Anglo-Nubian × Fiji goats were used to study effects of supplementation of a basal diet of maize stover with Erythrina variegata (E) Gliricidia sepium (G) and Leucaena leucocephala (L). Parameters measured were dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility. Maize stover (MS) was treated with urea, used as a control diet, and had a crude protein (CP) content of 9.3%. Erythrina variegata was higher in CP than L and G. DMI of the urea-treated stover diet was lower (P < 0.05) than the untreated MS supplemented with E, G or L. Among the legume supplements, DMI (g/kg W0.75 per day) was lower (P < 0.05) in the MS/G diet compared to MS/E or MS/L diets. There were differences (P < 0.05) between the urea-treated maize stover (UTMS) and MS with either E, G or L on the digestibility of dry matter (DM), CP, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), OM and energy (P < 0.05), but no differences (P > 0.05) among MS/L, MS/E and MS/G. In experiment 2, four mature goats were used to measure the response of goats when the UTMS; MS/legume diets were sprayed with molasses. The DMI (g/kg W0.75 per day) of the urea-treated MS sprayed with molasses was lower (P < 0.05) than the MS/legume, but DMI among the MS/legume diets did not differ. The digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, OM and energy of urea-treated MS were lower (P < 0.05) than values found for MS/legume diets. It is suggested that either E, G or L could be used as protein supplements to improve the nutritional quality of MS fed to mature goats. Addition of molasses to diets further improved DMI Abbreviations: E, Erythrina variegata; G, Gliricidia sepium; L, Leucaena leucocephala; DMI, dry matter intake; MS, maize stover; UTMS, urea-treated maize stover; DM, dry matter; CP, crude protein; NDF, neutral detergent fibre; OM, organic matter ∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +685-21-671/229; fax: +685-22-933. E-mail address: aregheore [email protected] (E.M. Aregheore). 0377-8401/$ – see front matter © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2003.06.001

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and apparent nutrient digestibility by the goats. This study shows the substantial effect of legume supplements on MS intake and digestibility by goats. Molasses, when available, should be sprayed on fresh leaves of Gliricidia sepium and other forage legumes, that are initially rejected, in order to improve their acceptance and DMI when fed in confinement or in cut-and-carry production systems. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Goats; Agricultural residue; Legume trees; Intake; Digestibility

1. Introduction Crop residues such as maize, sorghum and millets stovers are used as ruminant feeds in many tropical and developing countries. Maize stover (MS) is widely used in commercial agriculture as it has a higher nutrient content than most straw, with about a 6% crude protein (CP) content (Suttie, 2000). However, the feeding value of maize stover is limited by its low metabolizable energy (ME) and low mineral levels (Owen, 1985). Therefore, ruminant productivity based on feeding of maize stover is constrained by low dry matter intake (DMI) and low nutrient digestibility. Ammoniation improves the nutrient value of stovers and straws (Aregheore et al., 1997), but increased levels of ruminant production can also be attained if maize stover is supplemented with leaves of browse and multipurpose trees to increase its DMI, and digestion, due to higher supplies of CP, carbohydrates and micronutrients (Castrillo et al., 1995; Devendra, 1990; Getachew et al., 1994; Smith et al., 1990). Supplementation of cereal crop residues with leaves of legumes has been reported to increase DMI (Mosi and Butterworth, 1985), and DMI and digestibility (Minson and Milford, 1967). Banda and Ayoade (1986) reported that Leucaena supplementation of goats fed a basal diet of maize stover increased organic matter (OM) and CP digestibility from 60 and 51% to 76 and 55%, respectively. Forage legume trees abound in Pacific Island countries and their foliage offers an economical alternative to costly imported protein supplements. There is widespread use of the leaves of browses such as Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Sesbania grandiflora and Erythrina spp. Besides improving DMI intake and nutrient digestibility, browse leaf supplements provide both rumen degradable and undegradable CP (Masama et al., 1997). Supplementing poor quality forage with fresh leaves of G. sepium or L. leucocephala resulted in faster rumen outflow rates, thereby increasing DMI and providing more digestible organic matter (DOM) (Orden et al., 2000). The objectives of this study were to determine effects of supplementation of a basal diet of maize stover with Erythrina variegata, G. sepium and L. leucocephala on DMI and digestibility by goats, and to measure the response of goats when the mixed maize stover and forage legume diets were sprayed with molasses. 2. Materials and methods 2.1. Feed description Legumes were 8 months old regrowths of E. variegata, G. sepium and L. leucocephala grown within the University of the South Pacific, School of Agriculture, Alafua Campus,

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Apia, Samoa (latitude: ≈13.5◦ S, longitude: ≈172.5◦ W). Stover of the sweet maize (Zea mays) variety was harvested from the Crop Science Department Farm, School of Agriculture, Alafua Campus, Apia, Samoa. Maize stover was allowed to dry in the sun to a constant moisture level. Both the maize stover and the fresh leaves of the three legumes were processed as described below before feeding. 2.2. Maize stover treatment Maize stover was used as the basal diet. It was chopped into 6–8 mm pieces and treated with urea to increase its CP content. In brief, 50 kg of chopped maize stover was spread on a concrete floor and the urea solution (3.6 kg of urea dissolved in 50 l of water) sprayed onto it. Stover was thoroughly hand mixed to allow the urea solution to mix uniformly. The treated material were tightly packed and sealed in polyethylene bags of 112 cm × 76 cm, 0.2 mm thick, and stored at 37 ◦ C. Bags were opened after 2 weeks. 2.3. Forage leaves Leaves from stands of E. variegata (E), G. sepium (G) and L. leucocephala (L) were harvested in the morning for feeding in the afternoon, with some allowed to wilt overnight for feeding in the morning. Stems were removed from the forage to ensure that the composition was uniform. Leaves of each forage legume were chopped to a uniform size (6–8 mm) to facilitate uniform mixing with the maize stover. Treated maize stover, before or after spraying with molasses served as control diets in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In both experiments, maize stover that was mixed with forage legumes was not treated with urea. 2.4. Diets, experimental design and management 2.4.1. Experiment 1 Four mature goats (Anglo-Nubian × Fiji local) with a pre-experimental body weight (BW) of 25.0 ± 0.6 kg and 23 ± 1 months of age were allocated to four treatments in a randomized 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four diets used in experiment 1 were: (A) (B) (C) (D)

Urea-treated maize stover (control) (UTMS); 50% MS + 50% E (MS/E); 50% MS + 50% G (MS/G); and 50% MS + 50% L (MS/L).

2.4.2. Experiment 2 Four mature goats (Anglo-Nubian × Fiji local) with a pre-experimental BW of 27.0 ± 0.34 kg and 26 ± 2 months of age were allocated to four treatments in a randomized 4 × 4 Latin square design. The experimental treatments were as follows: (A) (B) (C) (D)

Urea-treated MS + 4% molasses (UTMS + M) (control); 50% MS + 46% E + 4% molasses (MS/E + M); 50% MS + 46% G + 4% molasses (MS/G + M); and 50% MS + 46% L + 4% molasses (MS/L + M).

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In both experiments 1 and 2, the contents of diets B–D were thoroughly mixed and offered as a complete diet to reduce animal selection between the forage component and the maize stover. The four diets used were the same in both experiments, except for molasses that was mixed with each of the diets fed to the goats in experiment 2. In both experiments, goats were allowed to eat each diet for 21 days before the diet was changed. The first 14 days were a preliminary period to allow the goats to adjust to the new diet. Diets were offered ad libitum three to four times daily to ensure constant availability. E. variegata, G. sepium and L. leucocephala were sampled once a week for DM determination. Feeds offered and refused were recorded on a daily basis to estimate voluntary DMI. The BWs of the goats were recorded at the end of each period of the experiment and were used to calculate the amount of the feed mixtures to be offered during the subsequent period. Drinking water was continuously available and the goats had free choice access to a mineral/vitamin block containing: salt (NaCl), 120 g/kg calcium, 60 g/kg phosphorus, 60 g/kg magnesium, 150 mg/kg copper, 1.5 mg/kg colbalt, 7.5 mg/kg iodine, 600 mg/kg manganese, 750 mg/kg iron, 600 mg/kg zinc, 1.5 mg/kg selenium, 7,500,000 IU Vitamin A, 5000 IU Vitamin D and 2500 IU Vitamin E, with copra meal and molasses added. Feed refusals of the previous day’s feeding were weighed and sampled each morning before the next meal. Cleaning of the pens was daily before supplying each day’s diet. 2.4.3. Digestibility study At the end of the each 14 days adjustment period, goats fed each diet were used to measure diet digestibility. Apparent digestibility was calculated over a 7 days fecal collection period and a daily 25% aliquot was collected for processing. Feces were dried in a forced air oven at 70 ◦ C for 36 h. Daily samples of feces and diets in each experiment were bulked separately and milled with a simple laboratory mill to pass a 1.7 mm sieve. These were stored in air-tight bottles until required for analyses. 2.4.4. Analytical methods The DM content of feces and diets were determined by drying to constant weight at 70 ◦ C for 24 h in a forced air oven, ash by incineration at 600 ◦ C for 2 h, CP by a micro-Kjeldahl procedure (AOAC, 1995) (procedure ID number 954.02). Fibre analysis was according to Van Soest et al. (1991), with neutral detergent fibre (NDF), assayed with sodium sulfite, without alpha amylase and expressed with residual ash. The gross energy (MJ/kg) value of diets and fecal samples were determined using a bomb calorimeter (Adiabatic bomb, Parr Instrument Co., Moline, IL, USA.) with thermochemical benzoic acid as the standard. All analyses were completed in triplicate. 2.4.5. Statistical analysis Data on voluntary DMI and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients were analyzed with ANOVA using individual goats as replicate (Steel and Torrie, 1980). Where significant differences were observed treatment means were compared with Duncan’s multiple range test. All data on DMI and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients between diets, without and with molasses, within treatments were subjected to a Student’s t-test.

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3. Results 3.1. Chemical composition of the feeds used Maize stover had a relatively high CP content of 6.0% and a neutral detergent fibre content at 47.6%. Among the forage legumes, E. variegata was higher in CP content than L. leucocephala and G. sepium (Table 1). The corresponding levels of CP for the forage legumes (E. variegata, G. sepium and L. leucocephala) were 21.3, 16.1 and 18.6%, respectively. 3.1.1. Experiment 1: Chemical composition of the diets, Intake and digestibility Urea treatment increased the CP content of the maize stover to 9.3%, which was 3.3 percentage units higher than untreated (Table 1). NDF and OM were similar to the untreated maize stover. DM and NDF of the diets were higher than the individual feed ingredients. The DMI of the urea-treated maize stover diet was lower (P < 0.05) than those of MS diets supplemented with legumes (Table 2) and, among the MS supplemented diets the G. sepium based diet had the lowest (P < 0.05) DMI. It was observed that initially goats did not accept this diet well. There were differences (P < 0.05) between the UTMS and the supplemented MS diets in digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, OM and energy. 3.2. Experiment 2: Chemical composition of the diets, intake and digestibility Addition of molasses did not reduce the nutrient content of the respective diets (Table 1). The DMI of goats fed the UTMS diet sprayed with molasses was lower (P < 0.05) than Table 1 Chemical composition of untreated maize stover and leaves of the browses (Erythrina variegata, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala) used in preparation of the experimental diets, and the experimental diets used in experiments 1 and 2 DM (%)

CP

NDF (% DM)

OM

GE (MJ/kg DM)

Maize stover Erythrina variegata Gliricidia sepium Leucaena leucocephala

94.6 43.9 46.0 45.3

6.0 21.3 16.1 18.6

47.6 29.8 29.6 29.8

92.0 89.2 90.0 88.9

15.5 17.0 17.3 18.2

Experiment 1 dietsa Maize stover + urea Maize stover + Erythrina variegata Maize stover + Gliricidia sepium Maize stover + Leucaena leucocephala

75.6 69.3 70.3 69.9

9.3 12.5 12.2 12.5

44.0 38.6 38.6 38.7

92.0 90.6 91.0 90.5

14.3 12.2 12.2 12.7

Experiment 2 dietsb Maize stover + urea + molasses Maize stover + Erythrina variegata + molasses Maize stover + Gliricidia sepium + molasses Maize stover + Leucaena leucocephala + molasses

64.1 67.5 63.5 62.9

9.3 12.6 12.3 12.5

39.6 34.3 36.9 30.5

91.6 91.6 93.7 92.3

15.3 15.2 15.0 16.9

a b

Denotes the four diets used in experiment 1. Denotes the four diets used in experiment 2.

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Table 2 Dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility of urea-treated maize stover (UTMS) and untreated maize stover plus either Erythrina variegata MS/E), Gliricidia sepium (MS/G) and Leucaena leucocephala (MS/L) diets by goats Dietsa

(g/kg W0.75

Dry matter intake per day) CP intake (g/kg W0.75 per day) Digestibility (proportions) Dry matter Crude protein Neutral detergent fibre Organic matter Energy

S.E.M.

UTMS

MS/E

MS/G

MS/L

43.5 c 5.5

65.6 ab 8.6

61.3 b 8.0

68.3 a 8.5

0.514 b 0.586 b 0.543 b 0.562 b 0.543 b

0.652 a 0.688 a 0.680 a 0.670 a 0.637 a

0.637 a 0.652 a 0.668 a 0.640 a 0.633 a

0.640 a 0.681 a 0.683 a 0.682 a 0.663 a

9.7 1.3 0.056 0.040 0.058 0.047 0.045

S.E.M.: standard error of mean; means within row with different letters (a, b, c) differ (P < 0.05). a UTMS: urea-treated maize stover; MS/E: maize stover + Erythrina variegata; MS/G: maize stover + Gliricidia sepium; MS/L: maize stover + Leucaena leucocephala.

those diets of MS supplemented with legume leaves (Table 3). As observed in experiment 1, differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, OM and energy between the UTMS and legume supplemented MS diets, although values were numerically closer than observed in experiment 1, possibly due to addition of molasses. Digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.05) in the MS/E + M than that without molasses. Also in the MS/G + M diet, CP and OM digestibility were higher than the MS/G without molasses. In general, OM and energy digestibility improved in diets with molasses as those without molasses (Table 4). The digestibility of energy was higher (P < 0.05) in UTMS + molasses diet than that without molasses. Numerical differences were observed Table 3 Effect of molasses addition on dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility of urea-treated maize stover (UTMS) and untreated maize stover plus either Erythrina variegata (MS/E + M) Gliricidia sepium (MS/G + M) and Leucaena leucocephala (MS/L + M) diets by goats Dietsa

(g/kg W0.75

DMI per day) Daily CP intake (g/kg W0.75 per day) Digestibility (proportions) Dry matter Crude protein Neutral detergent fibre Organic matter Energy

S.E.M.

UTMS + M

MS/E + M

MS/G + M

MS/L + M

45.5 c 5.6

68.6 ab 9.1

63.8 b 8.8

72.9 a 9.1

0.561 b 0.624 b 0.564 b 0.584 b 0.604 b

0.684 a 0.720 a 0.685 a 0.703 a 0.673 a

0.678 a 0.706 a 0.673 a 0.694 a 0.671 a

0.692 a 0.728 a 0.657 a 0.724 a 0.683 a

10.44 1.48 0.054 0.042 0.048 0.054 0.031

S.E.M.: standard error of mean; means within row with different letters (a, b, c) differ (P < 0.05). a UTMS + M: urea-treated maize stover + molasses; MS/E + M: maize stover + Erythrina variegata + molasses; MS/G + M: maize stover + Gliricidia sepium + molasses; MS/L + M: maize stover + Leucaena leucocephala + molasses.

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Table 4 Comparison of the effect of without or with molasses on dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility of urea-treated maize stover and untreated maize stover plus either Erythrina variegata, Gliricidia sepium or Leucaena leucocephala diets by goats Dietsa

Nutrients (proportions) Treatmentsb

DMIc

DM

CP

NDF

OM

Energy

UTMS

−molasses +molasses S.E.M.

43.5 45.5 1.0

0.514 0.561 0.024

0.586 0.624 0.019

0.543 0.564 0.011

0.562 0.584 0.011

0.543 a 0.604 b 0.031

MS/E

−molasses +molasses S.E.M.

65.6 68.4 1.40

0.652 a 0.720 b 0.034

0.688 0.685 0.002

0.680 0.685 0.003

0.670 0.703 0.017

0.637 0.673 0.018

MS/G

−molasses +molasses S.E.M.

61.3 65.8 2.3

0.637 0.678 0.021

0.652 a 0.706 b 0.027

0.668 0.673 0.083

0.640 a 0.694 b 0.027

0.633 0.671 0.019

MS/L

−molasses +molasses S.E.M.

68.3 72.9 2.3

0.640 0.692 0.026

0.681 0.728 0.024

0.683 0.657 0.013

0.682 0.724 0.021

0.663 0.683 0.01

S.E.M.: standard error of mean; means within each treatment for each variable of different letters (a, b) differ (P < 0.05). a UTMS: urea-treated maize stover; MS/E: maize stover + Erythrina variegata.; MS/G: maize stover + Gliricidia sepium; MS/L: maize stover + Leucaena leucocephala. b (−): without molasses; (+): with molasses. c DMI g/kg W0.75 per day.

between MS/legume + molasses diets and those without molasses in the digestibility of energy.

4. Discussion 4.1. Chemical composition of the feeds used Except for CP, other nutrients in the maize stover were similar to those described by Getachew et al. (1994) and Banda and Ayoade (1986); however, the NDF content was lower than the value reported by Getachew et al. (1994). E. variegata was higher in CP than L. leucocephala and G. sepium. Levels of CP for the forage legumes (E. variegata, G. sepium and L. leucocephala) were 21.3, 16.1 and 18.6%, respectively. The CP content obtained and the differences that existed between the browses in CP content are similar to those reported by Kaitho et al. (1998) and Aregheore and Yahaya (2001). The CP values of the mixed diets are slightly above the 11–12% suggested by NRC (1981, 1989) as adequate to meet requirements for moderate BW gains in goats. The fibre content of the forage legumes was lower than those reported by Kaitho et al. (1998) and Topps (1992) for similar legumes. The low fibre content of the browses used could be due to their stage of maturity at the time of harvest.

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4.2. Supplementation of untreated maize stover with legume browse (experiment 1) The unpleasant odor of G. sepium is the most plausible reason for its initial rejection by the goats (Stewart et al., 1998). Abdulrazak et al. (1996) reported increased DM intake with L. leucocephala, but not with G. sepium, when both browses were used as supplements to Napier grass in the diets of steers in Kenya. The issue of initial feed rejection was also reported. The improved DMI when MS was supplemented with legume leaves supports an earlier report (Smith et al., 1990). Phiri et al. (1992) reported that browse supplementation of maize husks raised the DMI of goats in Zambia. Also, Dutta et al. (1999) and Orden et al. (2000) reported increased DMI of rice straw supplemented with forage legumes by goats and sheep, respectively. Earlier, Minson and Milford (1967) reported that intake and digestibility of mature pangola grass in sheep was increased by forage legume supplementation. The DMI of MS supplemented diets in our study was higher than that reported by Getachew et al. (1994) and Smith et al. (1990), and differences may be due to the level of CP in the MS used in the different studies. Fibre is as important as tannins in reducing the tolerance of rumen fill, and tannins may increase endogenous and microbial-N loss in faeces (Woodward and Reed, 1989; Dutta et al., 1999). Mosi and Butterworth (1985) showed that plant cell wall content was the primary restriction on DMI. Our results also confirmed Dutta et al. (1999), who reported increased DMI in rice straw supplemented with L. leucocephala and subsequently higher digestibility of nutrients. The high DMI of the MS diets supplemented with legumes especially the L. leucocephala diet was due to the effect of dietary CP and rapidly fermentable fibre (Dutta et al., 1999). Forage legumes were observed to have stimulated DMI of maize stover and apparent nutrient digestibility. 4.3. Supplementation of molasses-treated maize stover with legume browse (experiment 2) The energy content of the diets was numerically higher than in experiment 1. Unlike in experiment 1, goats did not reject the MS diet supplemented with the leaves of G. sepium. Its early acceptance might be responsible for the improved DMI obtained for the goats fed G. sepium compared to the DMI in experiment 1. Inclusion of molasses probably suppressed the unusual odor in the leaves of G. sepium and this is the most plausible reason for its early acceptability and intake. DMI of all the diets increased with the addition of molasses (Table 4). Molasses is a concentrated plant extract, and contains a wide range of trace minerals, vitamins, sugars (sucrose, glucose and fructose, usually about 2:1:1) and is particularly rich in potassium and sulphur (Sudana and Leng, 1986). In this experiment, molasses was 4% (DM) of the diet offered to the goats, and the additional nutrients might have acted mainly to increase efficiency of utilization of the diets and the palatability of the mixed diets. Our data on DMI supports observations of Frye et al. (1977), Weston and Davis (1986), Ng’ambi and Ngosa (1995) and Ng’ambi (1999) that addition of a palatable agent, such as molasses, to diets ensures acceptance and increases DMI. For example, Ng’ambi and Ngosa

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(1995) reported that goats consumed 37% more wheat straw OM when it was sprayed with molasses to improve taste and smell. In general, apparent DM digestibility was above the 50–60% range reported by Umunna et al. (1995) for supplements of about 30% forage legumes. The digestibility of NDF was above 60% in all maize stover supplemented diets. This could have been due to the high CP content of the forage legumes. Differences observed between experiments 1 and 2 in DMI and apparent nutrient digestibilities could be due to effects of the molasses, which improved smell and taste of the mixed diets. The diets used in both experiments were identical in chemical and physical characteristics but not in apparent nutrient digestibility. The higher consumption in the goats fed diets sprayed with molasses could be attributed to improved taste and smell. Molasses had positive effects on DMI and apparent digestibility of nutrients. The increased DMI obtained in both studies due to supplementation with forage legumes agrees with the findings of Devendra (1985), Richards et al. (1994), Umunna et al. (1995) and Orden et al. (2000). All authors reported improved DMI when low quality roughages such as maize stover, rice or wheat straw or oat hay were supplemented with leaves of forage legumes. Forage legume supplementation of low quality forages alleviates N-deficiencies in the rumen thereby improving the rate of degradation of the basal diet and the fractional outflow of liquid from the rumen and hence DMI is enhanced (Goodchild and McMeniman, 1994). Mosi and Butterworth (1985) reported that legume hay supplementation of cereal crop residues increased total DMI and, in our study, maize stover DM intake was improved by supplementation with legume forages. The spraying of MS/G diet, with molasses improved the digestibility of CP and OM by goats. In all diets, inclusion of molasses improved the digestibility of energy, especially in the UTMS diet.

5. Conclusion E. variegata, G. sepium or L. leucocephala can be used as protein supplements to improve the nutrient value of maize stover in the diets of goats. Addition of molasses to the diets further improved DMI and apparent nutrient digestibility. Results suggest that molasses should be sprayed on fresh leaves of G. sepium, and other forage legumes that are initially rejected by goats, in order to improve their acceptance and DMI when fed in confinement or in cut-and-carry production systems. These results are important for nutritional management of small ruminants fed low quality forage maize stover during the dry season.

Acknowledgements The authors are grateful to Mr. Falaniko Amosa, Acting Farm Director, USP, SOA, Alafua Campus, Apia for providing the maize stover, and also Mr. Prasad Kamlesh for his technical assistance.

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